Studying abroad is an enriching and life-changing experience for a student in many ways. There are  things that the students need to think about when they are preparing for living and studying abroad. It gives an opportunity to the student to explore new culture, new places and getting to meet people from all around the world. Living in a new country can be exciting, but it can also be a challenge.

 

Almost all the international students experience a cultural shock initially as they arrive in the UK. This is because you move from a familiar culture to the unfamiliar one. In the beginning the language, people, food might seem different as compared to your own country. It is common for most of the International students to find it hard in the beginning. Your fellow international students and University Alumni will have a similar experience to share. You can overcome the cultural shock by acknowledging that it is a normal experience, staying in touch with your family & friends is important as it can comfort you when you are living in a different country. However, as UK is multicultural, you will soon adjust and easily settle down.

 

In addition to that accommodation is one of the main concern for any international student, there are multiple options available however the accommodation provided by the Universities are more suitable for international students coming to the UK for the first time, it gives them opportunities to interact and socialize with other students’. There are other privately owned accommodation options available like shared flats, houses, lodgings or bedsits. For the students who live away from the University campus, the public transportation services in the UK make it convenient for them to travel from the accommodation to the Universities on a daily basis at a cheaper cost with the help of the student’s pass.

 

Students should always be well aware of the safety and security issues, even if the risk of loss is negligible. Universities will discuss safety and security during the induction and orientation, and will also include general safety guidance in pre-departure information that a student must pay attention to at all times.

 

Awareness about the health services is very important as health services are not free for International Students. Healthcare surcharges are applied at the application stage. As part of their application fees. If a student is entitled to health services, some of them will be free like consulting a GP and most other GP services (e.g. visiting a clinic) and treatment in a hospital (both emergency and non-emergency treatment). However, the student may need to pay for dental and optical treatments and medicines prescribed by the Physician.

 

Cost of living in the UK is cheaper than compared to other countries, it is preferable if the students plan their living costs and prepare a budget before they arrive in the UK. There are many online budgeting tools available that can help the students in building their own budge. In this way, the students will feel prepared for living in the UK and will be more confident about managing their money. Many Universities send students a pre-departure guide that includes information on living costs, travel etc.; this information is also available on the Universities websites.

 

The UK has a diverse society, so it is possible that the students would find many familiar things from the home country like places of worship, supermarkets with multicultural foods, restaurants serving authentic international cuisine, additionally international student societies and student unions help the students make friends. Also, the Universities organize regular events for the international students, some are specifically intended to promote cultural exchange, and others are just for enjoyment. When the student wants to spend time away from the University, there are plenty of tourist attractions and museums to visit. Students can also easily travel to nearby European Countries by availing good students discount on travel services. Additionally, the student identity cards help to reduce sightseeing costs in the UK and Europe. The UK offers an amazing student experience, and you can always make the most of it.